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Biomedical subjects

J K Jensen

Publications and source records attributed to J K Jensen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Safety and efficacy of combined high-dose treatment with calcipotriol ointment and solution in patients with psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: In the vast majority of psoriatic patients, psoriatic lesions are localised on the body as well as on the scalp. Therefore, safety data on the combined use of calcipotriol in lotion and calcipotriol in ointment are needed. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of high-dose treatment with a combination of calcipotriol ointment and scalp solution on calcium metabolism, indices of bone turnover and PASI in patients with extensive psoriasis. METHODS: Following a 2-week wash-out period, 88 patients were randomised to 4 weeks of treatment with either calcipotriol ointment/scalp solution (80-100 g/week and 30-50 ml/week, respectively; n = 41) or with a dithranol/tar regimen (n = 47). Patients were seen at weeks 1, 2 and 4 during treatment and 1 week following cessation of treatment. RESULTS: No significant differences at the end of treatment were found between the 2 groups with respect to 24-hour urinary excretion of calcium (expressed as calcium/creatinine ratio), phosphate or pyridinoline, serum concentrations of calcium (albumin corrected), creatinine, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3), osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase (total and bone-specific iso-enzymes) or 1-collagen telopeptide. At the end of treatment, the psoriasis area and severity index had decreased by 57.4% in the calcipotriol group and by 36.1% in the dithranol/tar group (p = 0.004). Investigators' and patients' assessments of overall efficacy also favoured treatment with calcipotriol (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The combined use of calcipotriol ointment/scalp solution did not affect the indices of calcium metabolism or bone turnover and was significantly more effective than dithranol/tar in reducing disease severity and extent in patients with extensive psoriasis.

Administration, Topical↗

[Acute myocardial infarction associated with a mild blunt thoracic trauma].

A case of acute myocardial infarction associated with a mild blunt thoracic trauma in a 60-year-old woman with normal coronary angiography is described. The underlying potential pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed. Lastly, the clinical and practical consequences of the new consensus document for the redefinition of acute myocardial infarction are briefly commented on.

Electrocardiography↗

[Smoking and admission to a department of internal medicine at a county hospital].

On a random day in 1998 all hospitalized unselected patients on the ward of internal medicine, Silkeborg County Hospital were evaluated in relation to possible tobacco-related disease. A total of 56 (71%) of 79 had a smoking-related main diagnosis and of these 23 (29%) of 79 were statistically diseased as a direct consequence of their present and previous use of tobacco.

Adult↗

Stress urinary incontinence at rest.

We retrospectively identified 37 cases in which urinary incontinence occurred at rest during urodynamic testing in the absence of a coincident detrusor contraction or urethral relaxation. This phenomenon, genuine stress incontinence at rest, was observed during 9.6% of multichannel cystometrograms performed at our institution. The observed urine loss occurred at bladder volumes between 145 ml and 800 ml. Loss occurred with bladder overdistension (overflow incontinence) in only 3 subjects (8%). Decreased bladder compliance was observed in 11 (30%) and decreased outlet resistance was demonstrated in 24 (65%). Our findings suggest that genuine stress incontinence at rest is relatively common in a referred population of incontinent women. This phenomenon is associated with impaired urethral function and/or decreased bladder compliance.

Adult↗

The relationship of body mass index to intra-abdominal pressure as measured by multichannel cystometry.

The aim of the study was to identify the possible relationship between body mass index and intra-abdominal pressure as measured by multichannel cystometry. A retrospective chart review of patients presenting for urodynamic evaluation between January 1995 and March 1996 was carried out. Variables identified included weight, height, intra-abdominal pressure and intravesical pressure as recorded on multi-channel cystometrogram at first sensation in the absence of detrusor activity. Body mass index was defined as weight in kilograms divided by height in square meters. Intra-abdominal pressure was measured intravaginally except in those cases of complete procidentia or severe prolapse, where it was measured transrectally. Adequate data were available on 136 patients. The mean age was 60.6 years (range 30-91); mean body mass index was 27.7 kg/m2 (range 12.7-47.7); and mean intra-abdominal pressure was 27.5 cmH2O (range 9.0-48.0). A strong association between intra-abdominal pressure and body mass index was demonstrated, with a Pearson coefficient correlation value of 0.76 (P<0.0001). Strong correlation was still demonstrated when those patients who had had the intra-abdominal pressure measured transrectally were separated out, thus eliminating any possible confounding factors between measurements of intra-abdominal pressure measured transvaginally versus transrectally. In addition a strong correlation between intravesical pressure and body mass index was also demonstrated, with a Pearson coefficient correlation value of 0.71 (P<0.0001). Of the 136 patients, 65 (47.8%) were ultimately diagnosed as having genuine stress urinary incontinence (GSUI), 35 (25.7%) with GSUI and a low-pressure urethra (maximum urethral closure pressure of less than 20 cmH2O), and 18 (13.2%) with detrusor instability. The remaining 13.2% had severe prolapse. Our data demonstrate a significant correlation between body mass index and intra-abdominal pressure. These findings suggest that obesity may stress the pelvic floor secondary to chronic state of increased pressure, and may represent a mechanism which supports the widely held belief that obesity is a common factor in the development and recurrence of GSUI.

Abdomen↗

Banked human fascia lata for the suburethral sling procedure: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: To report our initial experience with allogenic (human cadaver donor) fascia lata for the suburethral sling procedure. METHODS: Allogenic fascia lata for the suburethral sling procedure has been used in our practice since July 1994. Fascial grafts were obtained from licensed tissue banks. Women who underwent this procedure were followed prospectively to determine the incidence of perioperative complications, the incidence of local wound complications at the sling insertion site, and the subjective and objective cure rates. RESULTS: Sixteen women underwent the suburethral sling procedure with allogenic fascia. Fourteen had genuine stress urinary incontinence and two required replacement of a previously placed synthetic graft because of chronic infection. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 1 year. No patient developed sinus tract formation or persistent granulation tissue. Two of 16 patients (12%) developed abdominal wound infections, which resolved with local care. The mean duration of postoperative bladder drainage was 29 days. One patient continued to require intermittent catheterization at 187 days. Among the 14 women with preoperative genuine stress incontinence, the subjective cure rate was 86% and the objective cure rate was 79%. The two patients who required replacement of a chronically infected synthetic graft remained subjectively continent. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data suggest that allogenic fascia lata is an acceptable material for the suburethral sling procedure. This material may be considered as an alternative to autologous fascia, which must be harvested from the patient intraoperatively, and to synthetic materials, which have been associated with local complications in up to 40% of cases.

Aged↗

The effect of patient position on proximal urethral mobility.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of patient position on the mobility of the urethrovesical junction. METHODS: Q-tip tests in the supine and standing positions were performed on forty-six consecutive female patients with a variety of urogynecologic complaints. Wilcoxon signed-rank test and McNemar test were used to compare urethral mobility in the supine and standing positions. RESULTS: Both the maximum straining Q-tip angle and the difference between the resting and straining angles were significantly greater in the supine position than in the standing position (P < .01). Thirty-four subjects had a positive Q-tip test in the supine position (defined as a maximal straining angle of at least 30 degrees), but only 24 (71%) of these women had a positive Q-tip test in the standing position. CONCLUSION: Patient position has a significant effect on mobility of the urethrovesical junction, in that the female urethra is more mobile in the supine than in the standing position. Because the selection of a surgical procedure for a woman with genuine stress incontinence depends in part on the presence or absence of urethral hypermobility, this observation has important implications for the evaluation of women with genuine stress incontinence.

Female↗

[Electromagnetic fields from high-voltage installations and cancer in childhood].

The objective of this population-based case-control study has been to investigate whether residence before and after birth near 50 Hz high voltage installations increases a child's risk of cancer and whether risk correlates with the strength of the magnetic field. One thousand seven hundred and seven children under the age of 15 with either leukaemia, a tumour of the central nervous system, or malignant lymphoma diagnosed in 1968-86 were identified in the Danish Cancer Registry and matched with 4788 population controls. Measures of exposure were proximity before and after birth to existing or former 50-400 kV electrical transmission connections and substations and associated historical electromagnetic fields calculated on the basis of current load on line, phase ordering of line, and distance from the dwelling. A significant association was seen between all major types of childhood cancer combined and exposure to magnetic fields from high voltage installations of > or = 0.4 microT (odds ratio 5.6). At > or = 0.25 microT no significant association was seen (odds ratio 1.5). A possible association was also seen with cases of Hodgkin's disease separately at > or = 0.1 microT. On the basis of these results and additional descriptive data on electricity consumption and incidence of childhood cancer in Denmark since the 1940s it was concluded that the proportion of childhood cancer possibly caused by 50 Hz electromagnetic fields must be small.

Central Nervous System Neoplasms↗

[Occurrence of housedust mites in dwellings. Relation to ventilation and humidity].

The concentration of house-dust mites (Der. spp.) was investigated in 96 Danish dwellings and bedroom air-exchange rates, humidity and temperature was measured contemporaneously in all the dwellings. A positive correlation was found between indoor air humidity and mite concentration, and an inverse correlation was found between house-dust mite concentration and indoor air-exchange. Dwellings of mite-allergic persons had a higher concentration of house-dust mites compared with those of the non-mite-allergic group. House-dust mite concentration was above the proposed limit in 76% of the homes of mite allergic persons and in 48% of the homes of non-sensitive persons. The high proportion of dwellings infested with house-dust mites, when compared with previous measurements, suggests an increased prevalence of house-dust mites in Danish dwellings. The results support the concept that reduced ventilation in dwellings involves a risk of increased house-dust mite exposure.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗

The role of patient history in the diagnosis of urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical usefulness and validity of patient history in the diagnosis of genuine stress incontinence and detrusor overactivity. DATA SOURCES: A literature search was performed for publications addressing the clinical evaluation of urinary incontinence between 1975-1992. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Nineteen of 29 articles during this period reported data in such a manner as to allow statistical comparison of patient history to the diagnosis based on urodynamic evaluation. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Each article was assessed for the following information: inclusion and exclusion criteria, method of obtaining patient history, clinical evaluation, and diagnostic criteria. Patients in each article were classified according to their history and urodynamic diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated for each article, as well as for the combined data from all articles. Combined data from all 19 articles produced a total of 3092 and 2950 patients evaluated for genuine stress incontinence and detrusor overactivity, respectively. A clinical history consistent with stress incontinence, when compared to a urodynamically based diagnosis, showed a sensitivity of 0.906, a specificity of 0.511, a positive predictive value of 0.749, and a negative predictive value of 0.771. A comparison of clinical history suggestive of an overactive detrusor and urodynamic evidence of spontaneous bladder activity revealed a sensitivity of 0.735, specificity of 0.552, positive predictive value of 0.561, and negative predictive value of 0.728. CONCLUSION: Patient history alone is not an accurate tool in the diagnosis of genuine stress incontinence or detrusor overactivity, and should not be the sole determinant of diagnosis or treatment.

Aged↗

To drain or not to drain: a retrospective study of closed-suction drainage following radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy.

The records of 115 patients were reviewed following radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy for early stage (IA2 to IIB) cervical cancer to determine the effectiveness of closed-suction drainage in decreasing postoperative morbidity. In Group 1 (n = 67), closed-suction (Jackson-Pratt) drains were placed bilaterally in the pelvic lymphadenectomy sites, whereas in Group 2 (n = 48), no drains were utilized. The groups were similar for mean age, tumor histology, disease stage, and preoperative serum albumin and total protein. There was no difference in the mean operative time, mean estimated blood loss, or transfusion rate. Likewise, febrile morbidity rates, incidence of pelvic cellulitis, length of postoperative ileus, and total hospital stay were similar. Group 1 had an increased rate of rehospitalization and morbidity directly related to the presence of the drains. The data suggest that prophylactic surgical drainage may not be necessary to prevent postoperative morbidity following radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy and on occasion contributes to postoperative complications.

Adult↗

Comparison between radiologic and endoscopic evaluation of the continent ileostomy reservoir.

The present study was performed to compare the results of radiologic examination and endoscopy in 156 patients with continent ileostomy reservoirs. Data from clinical follow-up and findings at revisional surgery were used for confirmation of diagnosis. One hundred and one patients had the clinical diagnosis nonspecific inflammation, 48 had symptoms of valve dysfunction, and 7 were studied because of suspected valve-shunting fistulas. For moderate and severe inflammation the findings on radiographs and at endoscopy were in accordance, whereas slight inflammation was more frequently reported by radiology than endoscopy. Radiology overdiagnosed slight inflammation. One disadvantage of endoscopy in patients with inflammation was that the afferent ileal segment could be reached in only 56%. By radiology 41 of 44 defective valves were identified (93%), whereas endoscopy disclosed only 24 defective valves (55%). The combined efforts of radiologic examination and endoscopy only managed to diagnose three of the seven patients with valve-shunting fistulas (two by radiologic and one by endoscopic examination). In conclusion, the retrograde double-contrast examination is a valuable complement in the assessment of patients with continent ileostomies and appears to be superior to endoscopy in the diagnosis of valve dysfunction and in depicting the afferent ileal segment.

Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal↗

Individual differences in auditory capabilities. I.

Twenty-eight audiometrically normal adult listeners were given a variety of auditory tests, ranging from quiet and masked thresholds through the discrimination of simple and moderately complex temporal patterns. Test-retest reliability was good. Individual differences persisted on a variety of psychoacoustic tasks following a period of training using adaptive threshold-tracking methods, and with trial-by-trial feedback. Large individual differences in performance on temporal-sequence-discrimination tasks suggest that this form of temporal processing may be of clinical significance. In addition, high correlations were obtained within given classes of tests (as, between all tests of frequency discrimination) and between certain classes of tests (as, between tests of frequency discrimination and those of sequence discrimination). Patterns of individual differences were found which support the conclusion that individual differences in auditory performance are, in part, a function of patterns of independent abilities.

Adolescent↗

The efficacy of intraoperative autologous transfusion in major orthopedic surgery: a regression analysis.

Perioperative blood loss associated with 89 cases of major orthopedic surgery was compared with that of a control group of 89 to determine the effectiveness of intraoperative autologous transfusion. Volume of banked blood transfused and hematocrit change were used to determine total blood loss. The orthopedic cases consisted of cemented "virgin" total hip replacement, cemented virgin tricompartmental knee replacement, and spine fusion. Use of an autotransfusion device (Cell Saver) intraoperatively was associated with significantly smaller volumes of transfused banked blood and significantly smaller hematocrit drops in the groups of patients who underwent total hip replacement or spine fusion, but not in the group of patients who underwent total knee replacement. One potential source of bias in the study stems from the fact that four days were allotted for equilibrium from perioperative blood loss in the hip and knee replacement groups, while, for reasons of data availability, equilibrium time in the spine fusion groups was two days.

Adult↗

Nonverbal intelligence and English language ability in deaf children.

The relationship between nonverbal intelligence and English language ability in a sample of 25 deaf children between the ages of 6-10 was examined. Intelligence measure included the Performance Scale of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (Wechsler, 1974) and the Hiskey-Nebraska Test of Learning Aptitude (Hiskey, 1966). Language measures were the Test of Language Development (Newcomer & Hammill, 1977) and the Reynell Developmental Language Scales (Reynell, 1977). Average correlations of .45 were obtained between nonverbal IQ and the language measures. The average multiple correlation between the individual subtests from the intelligence scales and language scores was .68. Subtests which require visual memory consistently entered the multiple regression equations as the best predictors of language performance. Language performance was attenuated in this sample and did not correlate with chronological age. The finding of significant correlations between nonverbal IQ and English language, in spite of the attenuated language performance, suggests that nonverbal intelligence and visual memory skills, in particular, may be important in understanding the success of some hearing-impaired children in acquiring English and the failure of others.

Child↗